Chapter 92: Chapter 92: Hunt Begins
[ Name: Aengus Degaro ]
[ Occupation: Baron of Dark Valley, Demon Servant ]
[ Race: Half-Human Half-Demon ]
[ Bloodline Lineage: Beelzebub (Partial-Royal) ]
[ Special Trait: Energy Converter (Artificial) ]
[ Level: 21 ]
[ Class: None ]
[ Age: 18 ]
[ Strength: 200 ]
[ Agility: 221 ]
[ Defense: 225 ]
[ Mana: 25,352 /30,352 ]
[ Nether Energy: 5,000 /30,352 ]
[ Attribute points: 0 ]
[ Skills: ]
- [ Active: Doombringer Fortification (C) Inferno Leap-59 (D), Earth Manipulation-12(D), Azula Sword Strike- 35 (E), Paralyzing Breath-10 (E), Shadow Step -9 (E), Razor Claws - 6 (E), Netherhorn Burst (E) ]
- [ Passive: Blaze Guard-8 (E), Fire Serpent's Digestion -5 (E), Predator's Instinct -23 (E), Health Regeneration -4 (E), Minotaur's Outburst (E) ]
[ Special skills: Monster Breeding (Level-1) ]
[ Demonic Abilities: Gluttony of Darkness (Basic), Darkness Pulse (Basic), Darkness Veil (Basic), Darkness Haki (Basic), Heart of Darkness (Peak), Blood Regeneration (Basic)]
[ Unique Skills: Appraisal (Basic), Skill Absorption (Mythic), Universal Synthesis (Ultimate) ]
[ Equipment: None ]
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Buzz... Buzz...
The ground began to tremble as Aengus moved, adjusting to the overwhelming surge of newfound strength coursing through his body. His muscles were brimming with explosive power, and both Mana and Nether energy pulsed through his veins with intensity.
The sensation of power was so immense that his body felt as if it were straining to contain it, like a dam on the verge of bursting after countless demon core consumptions. For anyone else, this would have been overwhelming, leading to mental fatigue or physical breakdown.
But Aengus was no ordinary person. His body was already near perfection, and after merging with the Royal Demon Core of the Dreadnaught Colossus, he had reached a new pinnacle.
Yet, he was acutely aware that he had now approached the limits of his body's balance. To continue growing, to harness even greater physical power and store more energy, he needed to push further. The solution was clear: he had to improve his physique by merging with different types of creatures, each with unique abilities, to enhance his potential.
This realization crystallized in his mind, and he added it to his list of priorities.
"MANAS, synthesize all the D and E rank skills into the highest rank possible," Aengus commanded, his voice filled with authority and determination.
"As you wish, Master." MANAS responded, her tone respectful yet tinged with anticipation. "I was just about to suggest it. I'm on it."
As MANAS took control of a portion of his consciousness, Aengus could feel the energy within him being meticulously analyzed and combined, a process that would elevate his abilities to unprecedented levels.
Turning his attention to other matters, Aengus called out for Butler Yu. The loyal servant, who had served the Barony with unwavering devotion, approached and bowed deeply. As Butler Yu came closer, he could feel the subtle yet terrifying aura emanating from his new lord. It was an overwhelming presence, one that made him acutely aware of his insignificance in comparison.
Aengus could crush him with a mere thought, yet this power only deepened Butler Yu's reverence.
"You called for me, my lord?" Butler Yu asked, his voice trembling slightly, his eyes filled with both fear and respect.
"Yes, Butler Yu." Aengus's gaze was cold and commanding, a stark contrast to his previous demeanor. "Gather all the soldiers of the Barony. It's time to rise."
The weight of his words hung in the air, and Butler Yu felt a shiver run down his spine. He quickly bowed again, understanding the gravity of the command.
"Y-Yes, my lord," he stammered, before hurrying off to fulfill the order.
Meanwhile, within Aengus's mind, MANAS was working tirelessly, her processes focused on perfecting the synthesis of his skills. She couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in Aengus's personality—an aura of darkness and authority that seemed to stem from deep within him. It was more than just the influence of the Darkness Heart; it was something intrinsic to his very being.
If only her memory were fully intact, she might have understood the true nature of this transformation already.
But for now, she continued her work, knowing that with each passing moment, Aengus was becoming something far more powerful, far more dangerous, than she could have anticipated. And it was actually beneficial for her. Her level would would rise and she could serve him in various ways more. She wasn't just made to be just an assistant. She could do far more..
"Follow me." As soon as the guards and officials came in front upon receiving his call, Aengus ordered as he went out of the Baron's residence...
As Aengus led his followers through the ominous dark forest, the atmosphere grew heavier with each step. The forest was a vast, foreboding place, filled with wild demonic creatures lurking in the shadows—an ideal battleground for Aengus to test his newfound power and build his army.
The lesser demons following him, their crocodile heads bowed low, whispered among themselves in hushed tones, their voices tinged with fear and curiosity.
"Butler Yu, where is Lord Aengus taking us?" one of the demons dared to ask, his voice barely above a whisper.
Butler Yu, walking with a sense of pride and arrogance, shot them a stern look. "Lord Aengus is taking us to make us all powerful," he replied, his tone dripping with superiority.
"Make us powerful? But how?" The demons exchanged puzzled glances, their confusion growing.
Butler Yu's eyes narrowed in annoyance. "Hmph, are you doubting Lord Aengus' capabilities now?" he growled in a low voice, his gaze piercing through the group.
The demons immediately shook their heads in denial, their fear evident. "Uh, N-No, we don't dare," they stammered, desperate to rid themselves of the accusation.
At the front, Aengus remained silent, his mind focused as he led them deeper into the forest. His presence exuded an intimidating aura, one that kept even the boldest of demons at bay. This was not the same man they once knew—something had changed within him, something dark and powerful.
Within Aengus's mind, MANAS spoke, her voice gentle yet concerned. "Master Zero, you do realize that your personality is turning colder day by day, right?"
"Yes. What of it?" Aengus responded, his tone casual, almost indifferent.
"Nothing, Master. Do you not want to change this Heart of Darkness?" MANAS inquired carefully, aware of the delicate nature of the subject.
"No. I am fine. I can't afford to be distracted right now," Aengus replied sharply, his voice taking on a strict and harsh edge at the mention of changing the heart.
"As you wish, Master," MANAS conceded, though she harbored her own concerns. In the depths of her consciousness, she noted the growing influence of the Heart of Darkness on Aengus. It was clear that it was taking root, leading him down a darker path.
"I will have to replace it sooner with a more suitable skill," she thought to herself, her resolve firm.
[ Synthesis complete ]
"Master, you can now review your evolved skills. They should aid you further in your journey ahead," MANAS announced, her voice returning to its usual calm and collected tone.
Aengus nodded and took a look, but he could feel their power from his soul already.
Inferno Leap -59 (D) + Netherhorn Burst (E) → Hellfire Dive (C); A destructive skill that could used for jump or clash with combined ferocity of Netherhorns.
Paralyzing Breath -12 (E) + Razor claws - 6 (E) → Venomous Ripper (D) ; With each strike of claws it has effect to paralyze the opponent. Duration depends on target's resilience and body condition.
Azula Sword Strike- 35 (E) + Shadow Step -9 (E) → Azure Ghost Blade (D) – A spectral sword attack infused with blue flames, unleashed after a stealthy, ghost-like approach.